Second ACTNOW Annual Meeting in Bergen, Norway
- ACTNOW Project
- May 22
- 2 min read
May 12 - 15, Norwegian Institute of Marine Research (IMR)
The ACTNOW consortium came together in Bergen for its second annual meeting, hosted by the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research (IMR). The gathering marked an important milestone in the project’s progress and offered a valuable opportunity for in-person collaboration, reflection, and planning.
It was a pleasure to share and exchange updates on the latest research findings and developments across all work packages. Representatives from each partner institution presented their contributions, offering critical insights into ACTNOW’s cross-cutting themes—from cumulative impact modelling and biodiversity assessments to stakeholder engagement and science-policy integration.
A key strength of this year's meeting was the structure: a dynamic combination of full consortium sessions, focused breakout groups, and interactive training moments. Smaller working groups allowed each work package to delve deeper into scientific challenges and methodological approaches, while cross-cutting sessions helped reinforce cohesion and shared objectives across the consortium.
Special attention was given to capacity building through dedicated training sessions for early career researchers.
The meeting reinforced the importance of collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches in addressing the complex and urgent issue of cumulative human impacts on European marine ecosystems. It also provided a strong foundation for the project's next phases as ACTNOW continues its work across diverse case study regions, including UNESCO World Heritage areas and ecologically sensitive zones.
We appreciate IMR for providing a vibrant and inspiring setting for our annual meeting, and we thank all project partners for their active and enthusiastic involvement.
Together, we move forward with renewed energy to ACTNOW—towards a more sustainable and biodiverse future for our seas and coasts.
